dom

What does everyone think of these things? I like them. There big, bold, beautiful and have some german characteristics. They have three engine choices, an available Hemi and available AWD with standard RWD. Is it just me who thinks DailmerChrysler hit a home run with these two cars? And best of all there priced resonably with the 300C with the Hemi (which goes 0-60 in 5.3 sec) about the price of a TL.

If they can be reliable, Chrysler has a huge hit on their hands IMO.

And their made in Canada (Or at least the 300 is)

iamhomin

It looks very bland yet robust. I like it, but I wouldn't buy it.

biker

I think a bit too bold, style wise, but lurking beneath that skin is an MB E-class chassis. I thing the upcoming resurection of the Charger nameplate will usher in a respectable mid-sized sedan. Just think, all of the goodies from MB and hopefully none of the gremlins at 1/2 price.

TSX Hokie

This might be the first true wagon to steal back former SUVers. No one is ever going to call this beast a soccer mom-mobile.

Where's the small RWD sports sedan for $23k Chrysler (that's really a C-class underneath)?

biker

That would be pretty nice, wouldn't it?

dom

I'm sure its coming. Funny how all new Chrylsers that are basically riding on Benz chassis use OLD benz chassis.

300 = Old E series
Crossfire = Old Slk

They would'nt dare mix their new platforms with a Chrysler, but its probly only a matter of time before it happens.

CGTSX2004

iTrader: (1)

Daimler really developed an excellent business model here. All of the old platform parts are being used to upgrade the Chrylser cars. Hell, they have the old 3.2L Kompressor engine from the SLK32 in the new Crossfire SRT-6. It's good parts sharing and excellent use of resources. Raises the status of Chrysler and possibly sets the stage for Chrysler customers to step up to MBs when they can afford it.

the_peel

I think the dc is headed in the right direction. I think nowadays people are looking for a more interesting design. "Conservative" and "safe" is out. People seem to really want to express themselves in everything; clothes, cars, furniture, living spaces, etc..

While I think that the 300 kinda looks like a brick, I think it looks like a good looking brick! The magnum is definitely one cool grocery getter. Kids will no longer feel ashamed to drive around in mom's car.

But then again, I really don't think we'll ever see another station wagon that really looks like "mom's car".

Of the big three, I think that dc is taking the largest step forward in vehicle design. That crap that gm is still spewing out disgusts me. Ford is still ugly with one notable exception: the GT.

wanggo

I hate chrome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Junkster

As much as I want to say that this car will help Chrysler get back in the game, it's Chrysler. They'll f' it up somehow. Man, remember when they came out with their 'cab forward' design crap, and it created all the hype? It's that all over again.

They have too much to go against with Lincoln and Cadillac. With the possible launch of the Mazda 6-based Lincoln on the way, along with various other products from both of the other two lux badges. I don't think Chrysler has enough ammo to catch up in the fire fight.

No lux SUV, no real stand out halo car, horrid Pacifica in the line up... I just don't think they can regain a foothold in the market, even with MB's help.

Junkster, who thinks the Magnum might fair a bit better.

gfxdave99

You know i didnt like it at first but these are the things you have to think about

1. DC is finally getting some of the mercedes technology which is good.

2. Rear Wheel Drive is making a comeback, nobody can say this is a bad thing.

3. You can get two different V6's and the V8 hemi, how cool is it that there are finally starting to be choices again like back in the 60s where you could have one car with anywhere of 5 diff engines

4. The 300 with the hemi is not a bad deal, its got a nice interior, i like the exterior and it goes from 0-60 in 5.4 sec and still manages to get 25mph highway because it has a new system to shutoff half the engine at cruising speeds. (basically what GM tried in the 80s and failed miserably at)

dom

5.3, according to C&D anyway

You bring up another good point that I forgot about, the Cylinder shutoff. This would have been another 17MPG highway cruiser without it. Good on Chrysler for incorporating it.

I love the fact that there are engine choices as well. The Hemi will probly be too much for most, but the 3.5L 250HP/250lb-ft engine seems like a perfect fit as well.

jumpper

I actually love the Dodge Magnum more than 300c. Last week I went to the NY Autoshow and sat in one, the interior is well done. I dont mind to have it as my 2nd car. The price isnt that bad either.

dabuda

i saw a 300 in person recently and it doesnt look as good as it does in the pix. the quality of the chrome in the front looks platicky and the shape of the front was just plain odd...looked like the front was the trunk...if u namasayin

Lung Fu Mo Shi

Chrysler suspension setups always ride like ass. This may change things, but you never know.

majormojo

I think the Magnum is hot, hot hot. Don't care much for the front end of the 300 with that gaping "mouth". But the Magnum... hooo baby! I'd buy that in a heartbeat - if it weren't for lingering doubts about Chrysler quality.

I worry too that Chrysler will find a way to take what should be a winner and screw it up somehow.

gilboman

not this one... the suspension in the 300c is pure MB E-class, give a whopping to a lot of other cars out there.

I like the car, and its a great value, a loaded 300c is i think just under the price of a TL but you get V8 power, MB chassis, suspension, tranny and of course RWD. the engine choices make the 300c affordable and one can be had for price less than a camry or accord

the styling is definitely bold..looks like a car a mob boss would use.

kiteboy

Maybe it's cheaper in the US. I saw a 300C in the mall, Hemi, nav, side airbags, and it was $48k Cdn. I'm not sure if there are further options available. The TL-Nav is $44k Cdn.

The rear side windows are about 6" high - looks very claustrophobic.

Lung Fu Mo Shi

That's what I was thinking. For a luxo-firm ride, MB suspensions are very nice. So if they keep the same underpinnings with a bit of tweaking, I think it will be a winner.

Hopefully then DC stock will go up.

gilboman

they are about the same price, the 300c is 43k cdn... hte one at the mall prolly got loaded up with accesories as well.. i didnt know a sport steering wheel was a 1000 option on the TL...wat a ripp

jcg878

I swear I saw one (300) on the road today... didn't know they were being sold yet?!? It looked fine, but it was on the other side of the road so I didn't get a good look.

kiteboy

Nope, there was a window sticker on the car that listed all the options. Base price $43k, nav $4k, side airbags $1k, smoker's group $80 were the only options.

It's pretty much the class of the field as far as bang-for-the-buck RWD V8 platforms go...

...but at $48k is the not cheaper than a TL.

Even at that price it still doesn't match interior equipment levels (DVD-A, BT for starters).

I dunno what's so special about the sport wheel, considering the standard one is leather with radio, voice, cruise and bluetooth controls. Dealers of every make will gleefully sell you overpriced accessories, not just Acura.

phile

I don't like the Magnum, I just don't like wagons in general. The 300C is the one I'd probably buy if I had to choose between the two. The tortoise-shell trim in the interior is pretty cool, at least they're trying to be difference and actually succeeding.

BlackTSX

This car is awesome, it has good styling i think, and......


HEMI!!! hahahaa

Lung Fu Mo Shi

I saw some being used at Avis Rentals. They had JUST gotten them in as of last week.

Wess

Suprisingly enough I've seen three driving around here in Alaska. Maybe one of these days I'll stop at the local dealer and check one out.

Wess

gilboman

skip the navi, trade it for some real power and performance

TSXhopefull

The great thing about this car are the chrsler discounts. The crosfire listed at over 35,000 can be had for under 29,000. I'm sure you could get a fully loaded hemi magnum (navi and all) for 30,000 out the door

Jason

What kind of misleading statement is this? The navi rocks and barely adds to the price relative to the competition. As for "real power and performance," you should consider that the TL is the same in performance against these cars, if not superior. RWD dows not automatically mean better performance.

I would rather have a better equipped, less expensive, more relaible car that holds it's value well. So there.

gilboman

i dont think the TL's engine has anything on the hemi..its givingup 160lb/ft+ or torque, 70 hp ... you cant seriously think the TL is in the "same" class as this performance wise right?

basically, its paying TL price, getting a big V8 with MB E class suspension and other MB goodies.

kiteboy

Well, the 300C weighs nearly 4,200 lbs. The Hemi will definitely give it accleration, but that's a big boy to toss around the corners and to stop. Even with RWD and M-B suspension bits, it does 0.77g on the skidpad.

Jason

:wackit: This means dick to me...

gilboman

i more important factor is how does it feel while cornering/handling?

case in point, the TL pulled around 0.90g in the few car comparo's its been in, but every one of the comparo's compalined about the handling when compared to RWD cars eventhough the RWD didnt nescessarily get the highest skidpad

but i do think handling would be close btwn a TL and 300c, with TL probably getting a slight edge due to its lower weight.

KingV

In other news, my dad is considering selling his 2003 M3 for a TL. <Shock and Awe!> I couldn't believe it when he told me, That thing doesn't even have 5000 miles on it yet.

biker

It would have been even more shocking if he was getting the 300C as a replacement. Maybe he wants a bit smoother ride. The M3 can be harsh.
I know, it's the DVD-A/BT that sold him.... lol.

taewlee

that car is big bold and ugly lol

iNteGraz92

cuz all they care about is rwd

biker

Cuz RWD ownz FWD in handling "feel".

KingV

The DVD-A actually sounds awesome, my friend has a TL it really does sound sweet. Unfortunately, there aren't exactly tons of DVD audio cd's out there, so, not sure what practical use it has.

I think my dad is selling it mostly because 1) my parents are buying a house, and 70k is a lot to have tied up in a car, and 2) he's going to be the CO at a ROTC unit starting this summer, and who wants to park an expensive car on a college campus every day? Not that the TL isn't expensive, but it's a damn sight cheaper than a fully loaded M3 convertible.

Edit: I forgot to mention, the blue tooth actually is a selling point on the TL for him. I would kill and maim for BT on my TSX, unfortunately most aftermarket solutions are kind of ghetto. But factory BT is PIMP.

gilboman

b/c the balance and confidence and communication of a car's handling is what makes driving "enjoyable" and RWD cars are often much much better at these things than a FWD can ever be due to drivetrain limiations of fwd.